September President’s Message

Happy September! I hope you had a fun summer filled with many relaxing vacation days.

PRSA Richmond took a break on full membership meetings in July and August, but there was plenty still happening. If you don’t believe me, check out all the activity on our social sites!

There’s also a wide variety of interesting programs planned for the remainder of 2017. From workshops to networking events to luncheon presentations, there is no shortage of inspiring PR information offered by PRSA Richmond this fall.

It takes an immense amount of behind-the-scenes work to make PRSA Richmond function so well. The volunteers who make up our board are amazing. I greatly appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Speaking of PRSA leadership, there’s a lot happening at the national level as well. Over the summer, the PRSA Board of Directors did a deep-dive review of bylaws, policies and procedures.

With all that activity taking place, some members across the country expressed concern that PRSA wasn’t putting minutes from meetings on the website for all to see. Jane Dvorak, PRSA’s 2017 chair, acted quickly in addressing that concern. As part of the updates to the national organization’s procedures, minutes from all in-person and phone board meetings will be posted on PRSA’s website within 10 days of approval.

If you are interested in reviewing the minutes, members may visit MyPRSA, Communities, Member Resources. (While you are on the PRSA website, check out the PRSay blog. There have been some really interesting articles posted recently.)

Decisions made at the national level do impact our chapter. But, if you would like to read up on activities happening closer to home, PRSA Richmond continues to put all board minutes on our website. As part of my presidential initiatives for the year, I’m committed to informing Richmond-area PR pros about board activities to ensure transparency in leadership and encourage a well-informed membership.

If you ever have questions about PRSA Richmond initiatives and/or board decisions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m happy to share any information about our organizational strategy.

Feedback is nice to hear, also. You’ll have the opportunity to complete our comprehensive membership survey later this year, but if you have something to share before then (positive or negative), please let me know. I’m always interested in what members are thinking, feeling and doing.

I look forward to seeing everyone together again on September 27.

Cheers!

Jennifer Guild, APR
PRSA Richmond President